pattern calls for a much larger size to be used, but the 2" staple was the largest available to me

yarn used

Red Heart Bijou in Diamond

thoughts

NEWSFLASH: if you are using a U-shaped hairpin crochet staple, you MUST remove the top bar prior to use... it is NOT a working part of the loom... it merely acts to keep your stitches from sliding off the loom when not in use! I learned this the HARD way!!! So a big thanks to my crochet buddy Dawn, who set me straight about this particular detail...

I discovered the hairpin lace is NOT DIFFICULT... most instructions just make it seem harder than they need to!

this pattern is available free to members of the Lisa's Designs group on Ravelry for the month of March... along with a couple of other hairpin lace patterns

although Lisa's instructions for the hairpin lace technique were very detailed... they just confused me!

there is an excellent video below, which many people have found helpful... but I still couldn't master the technique

in the end... the video below was the one which helped me figure out hairpin crochet

Monday, March 23, 2009

I've been desperately trying to master the technique of hairpin lace... and FINALLY I have the hang of it! Here's a sneak peek at what I have been working on, and I'll share more of the details with you tomorrow.

I would like to block it later today... if I can find the iron!

Mr Goldfish kindly put it away for me the other day, and I can't find it anywhere... wish me luck...

Friday, March 20, 2009

Those big eyes remind me of the story of Little Red Riding Hood... My what big eyes you have Grandma!

I love my wool needles to be big and chunky and blunt. The kind of needles that a three-year-old could thread. Darning in your yarn tails at the end of a project can be a monotonous enough task... you might as well make the threading part easy on yourself.

Today I'm hoping to finish darning the tails of my seraphina shawl and maybe even get it blocked, too... then I'll have some finished photos to share with you all.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

pattern calls for 10ply... I used an assortment of 8ply/DK weight reclaimed yarns

rounds 1, 2, 3 and 4 - dark burgundy

rounds 5 and 6 - cream

round 7 - camel fleck

round 8 - river gum green

round 9 - dark burgundy

round 10 - mid blue

round 11 - brown and white fleck

round 12 - burgundy

thoughts:

as always, I started with an adjustable magic ring

I need to learn to read patterns more carefully... for example... in round 2 where the pattern reads 2 tr in each of next 2 sc... it means 2 tr in each of next 2 sc... a total of 4tr... VERY IMPORTANT!!! I learned the hard way, and got frustrated beyond words that it wasn't working out properly. Thanks to a wonderful crochet buddy (that's you Daphne!) I was able to see the error of my ways.

round 12 modification - I was almost at 12 inches already, so I worked this round in hdc instead of dc

I didn't like the way my heart looked... it wasn't as shapely as I would have hoped... so I added a tiny bit of embroidered detail to better define the shape. Nothing fancy, just two strands of the cream yarn worked in a running stitch between rounds 3 and 4. Simple but effective.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

I know that the idea of blocking goes completely against the casual and low fuss approach which I usually take towards my crafting... but let me share a secret with you... it works!I certainly don't block every project... but there are some which benefit greatly from it...

So what is this 'blocking' all about then?

It is simply a method of shaping your finished piece... so that it sits nicely.

Think about the clothing in your wardrobe for a moment. Some garments MUST be ironed, some DON'T require any ironing... and then there are those which you can't really be bothered ironing, and sometimes you try and get away without bothering... but they really look and fit MUCH BETTER if you do.

Know what I mean?

Blocking is the same.

Some pieces do not require blocking... some do... and it's entirely up to you whether you do it or not! There are no blocking police.

But be aware that blocking can really improve the appearance of your work.

Look at this square I recently completed:

See how the centre looks fine, but then by the time you get to the outer edges it's all wavy and wobbly and messy???

Well, I blocked it - and now it looks like this:

Better?

Certainly benefited from blocking, didn't it?

You don't need anything fancy for blocking. Sure, you can purchase specifically designed blocking boards or wires and pins, etc... but you know I like to keep it basic - right?

Very basic - pin it... wet it... dry it

that's all... three simple steps

I used

a couple of old towels

a tape measure/ruler

lots of regular sewing pins

a spray bottle of water (or just the spray jet on my iron)

one of Mr Goldfish's hankys, clean of course!

steam iron

So, I started by folding the towels so they sit nice and thick.

Then placed the square on top, and pinned securely in the centre. I like to use four pins so that it is well secured, and I push the pins right into the thickness of the towels.

I wanted my square to be 30cm square. So I measured 15cm out from the centre to each side, stretching a little where necessary, and pinned it in place. I used two pins at each side, just so there wasn't too much tension on any one pin.

Then I moved on to the corners... checking the length was correct and pinning in place.

After that it was just a matter of pinning all along the edges, all the way around the square... ensuring things were straight. I use a lot of pins - perhaps more than necessary - but it works for me.

The next part is easy. I sprayed the piece with water, just damp... don't need to saturate... put an old hanky over the top... and lightly ironed it (wool setting, gentle pressure)

Then left it undisturbed to cool down and dry completely. Removed the pins... VOILA!

No matter what the fibre type, the basic steps remain the same

pin

wet

dry

If you are using wool... you can apply gentle heat using an iron

If you are using acrylic... the recommendation is not to use heat... but I sometimes do (just very gently and very carefully, you don't want to flatten the life out of it)

If you are unsure... there is no need to use heat at all!

Also avoid pressing textured pieces... for example... I did NOT press the flower at the centre of this square.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

For the past few years they've been hanging in the bedroom of Master Six. Now for those of you who haven't met Master Six... let's just say that he's not the most delicate creature to grace our household! He's a boy's boy through and through - a middle child - wild, crazy, and more than just a little bit full on.

As you can imagine... those poor lace curtains didn't really stand a chance. I repaired the first few holes, but after that it just became ridiculous...

So the curtains are down, and replaced by a less destructible blind.

I can't believe I almost threw them away...

They've been through the wash, and are ready to use. I'm planning to make a basket for Little Miss Four's dolls to sleep in. I think I'll cut it into 2cm widths, and then crochet the basket using my 20mm hook (which some of you might remember as the 'table leg')

It will be my first time crocheting WITH lace... stay tuned to hear how it goes...

Saturday, March 7, 2009

I'm not an expert when it comes to crochet...in fact, I still consider myself a beginner in many ways!

But I have experienced a great deal of frustration when first learning...it almost seemed as though there were these unwritten rules with crochet - things that you were just supposed to KNOW... even though you had never been told!

Well... that's how it felt to me, anyways.

Last time I talked about how to keep your edges straight when working a flat piece of sc or hdc. I mentioned that the place where you are most likely to run into trouble is where you work the FIRST and the LAST stitches of each row... and that the part which can trip you up is that the 'rule' changes depending on which stitch you are working in.

So this time we will look at what to do differently when working in dc (US)(this is also the method to use if you are working in tr, except that you would work 4 turning chain at the end of each row)

Grab your hook and some practice yarn again, and I'll talk you through the process:

chain 8:

dc into 4th chain from hook

dc into next 4ch:

ch3 and turn work:

skip the first stitch and work your 1st dc into the top of the 2nd stitch as shown in the diagram:

it will feel like you have left a gaping hole - don't worry - you're doing the right thing

dc into next 3 stitches...

then dc into the top of your turning chain from the previous row:

5dc in total

count in your head as you go: ch 3, turn... 1... 2... 3... 4... 5... ch 3, turn... 1... 2... 3... 4... 5... ch 3, turn... 1... 2... 3... 4... 5... over and over again until you have the hang of it... it won't take long

see the way the sides are even and I am not losing stitches? yay!

if the sides look a tiny bit wavy like mine, don't stress... if you want to straighten them more perfectly, you can block your work when you are finished

Now... I'm sure I heard someone comment that they had trouble with losing stitches when working in the round... leave it with me, and I'll talk you through that one in a few days time.

Friday, March 6, 2009

I know, because I have experienced it first hand. Working row after row of regular crochet... just trying to make a square or a rectangle, but the shape goes all wonky - and you realise you are losing stitches. Sound familiar to anyone?

Well... I know that some of you are struggling with this... because you have told me!

So.

Stop reading right now...Go and get yourself a hook and some practice yarn...and we will work through it together!

Ready?

The place where you are most likely to run into trouble is where you work the FIRST and the LAST stitches of each row... and the part which can trip you up is that the 'rule' changes depending on which stitch you are working in.

To keep it really simple for today, let's use single crochet (US)

chain 6:

sc into 2nd chain from hook, sc into next 4ch:

ch1 and turn work

work your first sc into the first stitch as shown in the diagram:

sc into next 4 stitches... 5sc in total:

ch1, turn work

sc into first stitch:

sc into next 4 stitches... 5sc in total

count in your head as you go: ch 1, turn... 1... 2... 3... 4... 5... ch 1, turn... 1... 2... 3... 4... 5... ch 1, turn... 1... 2... 3... 4... 5... over and over again until you have the hang of it... it won't take long

see the way the sides are even and I am not losing stitches? yours will look like this too...

so... that's the way to start and finish your rows when you are working in either sc or hdc...

next time I'll show you what you need to do differently if you are working in dc or tr - it's not hard - you just need to know the rules!

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Calypso the Kooky Owl - Crochet Pattern

download FREE pattern hereThis adorable crochet owl works up in no time, using three strands of yarn held together as one, and a large hook. The pattern is written for four different sizes of owl: mini – 10 cm (4 in), small – 14 cm (5 ½ in), medium – 18 cm (7 in) and large – 22 cm (8 ¾ in) tall. Everyone loves owls. They’re perfect gifts for a New Arrival, Child’s Birthday, or even a Graduation Gift.

Freeform Hat - Crochet Pattern

It seems a little peculiar to have written a freeform pattern. After all, the whole basis of freeform is that you are not following a pattern or trying to reproduce the work of anyone else - but are creating your own unique piece.

So what I’ve done here is to encourage you to experiment. I’ve shared the instructions for making a hat like my sample one, but I’ve also include two pages of suggestions for other things you can try out to make your hat different. This PDF Crochet Pattern is available in 7 sizes, from Premie to Large Adult, for AU$4.50

Flotsam the Fascinating Seahorse

I find the seahorse to be a fascinating creature. From their horse-like head to their curly tail, they are unlike any other fish around. I especially love that the MALE seahorse carries and gives birth to the babies! Intriguing, yes? Toy measures 24 cm (9 ½ in) long. This PDF Crochet Pattern is available for AU$4.50

Finbar the 20 Pound Crochet Cat

He’s a giant hunk of cat – just waiting to be cuddled… And if you’re looking for something a little more delicate, try making him with a finer hook and sock yarn. Cat measures 56 cm (22 in) tall. This PDF Crochet Pattern is available for AU$4.50

Shelly the Colourful Sea Turtle - Pattern

This adorable sea turtle is the perfect size for little hands to cuddle. The colour work in the shell is a simple slip stitch pattern, which works up very quickly. Turtle measures 36 cm (14 in) long and 27 cm (10 ½ in) wide. This PDF Knitting Pattern is available for AU$4.50

Sizzle the Sausage Dog

This endearing crochet sausage dog works up in no time, using chunky yarn and a large hook. One day - I’d love to make one with a body so long that you can tie him in a knot… This toy measures 58 cm (23 in) long and 12 cm (4 ¾ in) tall, not including the height of the tail. This PDF Crochet Pattern is available for AU$4.50

Rupert the 20 Pound Cat - Pattern

This cuddly oversized cat is worked up using large needles and chunky yarn. He makes a wonderful playmate for big and little kids alike – or you could place a weight in the base and put him to use as a door stop. He sits 45cm tall - that’s a whopping 18 inches! This PDF Knitting Pattern is available for AU$4.50

Bucky the Stuffed Moose Head - Pattern

This stuffed moose head is not remotely realistic looking – and I’m quite okay with that… Instead it’s an example of faux taxidermy at its finest. Patchwork section of head measures 26 cm (10 ¼ in) tall. Total width, including antlers is 48 cm (19 in). This PDF Knitting Pattern is available for AU$4.50.

challenge mitts

download free pattern nowThese mitts are worked in the round with no shaping. The shell pattern is stretchy and will accommodate the shape of your hand beautifully. All you need to do is remember to add your peek-a-boo hole for the thumb!

fishie the plastic bag keeper - pattern

What better way to store your plastic bags than inside this fancy fish? Stuff your grocery bags into his tail and watch his belly grow … remove them through his mouth and watch him shrink back down again. Length - 61 cm (24 in). Circumference - 38 cm (15 in). This PDF crochet pattern is available for AU $4.50.

fancy the frilled neck lizard - pattern

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kiki the cutie kangaroo - pattern

With her oversized ears and classic granny square pouch, Kiki is the most adorable kangaroo you will ever lay eyes on. Make her in natural colours, or let your imagination run wild… Either way, she is sure to bring a smile to someone’s face! Toy sits 20 cm (8 in) tall... This PDF Crochet Pattern is available for AU$4.50.

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The Flaming Lamborghini bag is knitted in the round using a trio of vibrant colours, with flames dancing around the top… This PDF Knitting Pattern is available for AU$4.50

sally the sassy centauride - pattern

Lively, bold and full of spirit! Some might query their very existence, but the female centaur make up a kick ass breed of heroines, ready to rock the world. This PDF Crochet Pattern is available for AU$4.50.

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The Spotty-Tailed Platypus is an endangered species, easily identified by their distinctive tail and external ears… Polly is the only known creature of her type in existence – but you can help with the breeding program, by making a Spotty-Tail Platypus of your very own! This PDF Crochet Pattern is available for AU$4.50

roweena the raggedy rascal of the sea - pattern

With her mop of raggedy hair and that crazy curlicue tail, Roweena makes for a truly unique mermaid. Before you even finish making your first doll - you'll be struck with inspiration for the next... and the next... and the next... This PDF Crochet Pattern is available for AU$4.50

Thirteen the Lucky Dragon - pattern

The dragon is believed by many to be a symbol of power, strength and good luck. Say hello to Thirteen, my friendly version of the legendary creature. With his impish ears and longing eyes, he will charm the socks right off you! This PDF knitting pattern is available for AU$4.50

True Blue the Quirky Koala - pattern

True Blue is an expression we use here to describe an Authentic Aussie… What better way to describe the Koala? And this Quirky little character really is BLUE… This PDF crochet pattern is available for AU$4.50

Matryoshka Doll - pattern

Matryoshka is foreign and exotic, yet homey and charming, all at the same time. With bold colours and intricate designs you can let your imagination run wild as you embellish this simple pattern. This PDF knitting pattern is available for AU$4.50

Callipo the Very Naughty Monkey - pattern

Callipo featured in a song I learned as a child. For the longest time, this little guy has been dancing around inside my head with his striped arms and legs…
And now he’s finally here.
This PDF Crochet Pattern is available for AU$4.50

Jerry Giraffe - pattern

I love that Jerry is Not Your Average Giraffe.
His ears are way too big, he has an unusual snout, a startled expression - and don’t even get me started on those colors!
This PDF Crochet Pattern is available for AU$4.50

Kokeshi Doll - pattern

This whimsical design is based on the Japanese kokeshi doll. Made from yarn, she is much softer than the original dolls - but shares the same irresistible charm.
This PDF Knitting Pattern is available for AU$4.50

Chi-kore - pattern

Chi-Kore is a quirky creature from deep in the imagination. This PDF Crochet Pattern is available for AU$4.50